Bassel F. El-Rayes, MD, Appointed Deputy Director of Moores Cancer Center at UC San Diego Health 

November 2025 | La Jolla, Calif. — The Moores Cancer Center at UC San Diego Health is pleased to announce the appointment of Bassel F. El-Rayes, MD, as Deputy Director, effective February 1, 2026.

Dr. El-Rayes is a nationally recognized leader in medical oncology and translational research whose work has advanced the understanding and treatment of gastrointestinal cancers. In his new role, he will help shape the center’s strategic vision, strengthen its research and clinical programs, and expand access to innovative therapies for patients.

Dr. El-Rayes joins UC San Diego from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), where he serves as Deputy Cancer Center Director, Division Director of Hematology and Oncology, and Albert F. LoBuglio Endowed Chair for Translational Cancer Research at the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center. Prior to UAB, he held senior leadership roles at Emory University’s Winship Cancer Institute, including Associate Cancer Center Director for Clinical Research and Vice Chair for Clinical Research in the Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology.

A nationally recognized medical oncologist and translational scientist, Dr. El-Rayes’s research focuses on gastrointestinal malignancies, particularly pancreatic and neuroendocrine cancers. His work bridges laboratory discoveries with clinical applications, exploring tumor–microenvironment interactions and novel therapeutic strategies. He currently serves as Principal Investigator on multiple active NIH/NCI-funded R01 grants, reflecting a sustained record of federal research support and innovation.

Dr. El-Rayes is an editor of multiple oncology texts, including “Current Emerging Therapies in Pancreatic Cancer” and “Handbook of Gastrointestinal Cancers: Evidence-Based Treatment and Multidisciplinary Patient Care.” He has authored or co-authored over 250 peer-reviewed publications and has served on numerous NCI, NIH, and ASCO committees, contributing to national cancer research and clinical trial leadership.

Throughout his career, Dr. El-Rayes has been recognized for his excellence in mentorship, teaching, and leadership, receiving honors such as the Emory Woodruff Leadership Academy Award, James B. Eckman Teaching Award, and Emory School of Medicine Mentoring Award. His work has shaped the development of emerging cancer leaders across academic medicine.

As Deputy Director, Dr. El-Rayes will partner closely with the Moores Cancer Center and institutional leadership to enhance the Center’s clinical, research, and educational missions. He will play a key role in advancing UC San Diego’s Comprehensive Cancer Center mission, including research and translational integration, clinical trials, and strengthening collaborations across the UC Cancer Consortium and regional partners.

In addition, Dr. El-Rayes will work closely with Dr. Kate Gold, Division Chief for Medical Oncology, in supporting and developing our medical oncology faculty and in further building the division’s research capabilities to advance innovation and excellence in cancer care.

“Dr. El-Rayes brings exceptional experience as a physician–scientist and proven leader in clinical and translational oncology,” said Diane Simeone, MD, Director of Moores Cancer Center at UC San Diego Health. “His expertise and collaborative vision will play a vital role in advancing our mission to accelerate cancer discoveries and expand access to the most innovative treatments for patients.”

Dr. El-Rayes’s appointment marks an important milestone in UC San Diego’s commitment to leadership in cancer discovery, care and prevention. With his proven record of scientific discovery, mentorship, and national leadership, he is poised to play a pivotal role in advancing Moores Cancer Center’s mission to deliver groundbreaking treatments, accelerate translational research, and improve outcomes for patients with cancer.

As an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, Moores Cancer Center at UC San Diego Health is among the top 4% of approximately 1,500 cancer centers in the United States, and one of only 57 Comprehensive Cancer Centers in the nation.

Approximately 43,000 patients with cancer are seen at UC San Diego Health annually. Patients have access to clinical trials with a dedicated team, as well as to physicians who provide personalized care and are setting treatment standards nationwide for more than 200 types of cancer. 

According to the 2024-2025 U.S. News & World Report "Best Hospitals" survey, the UC San Diego Health cancer program was ranked 42nd in the nation.